Schwantz School Moves To Barber

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- The
Kevin Schwantz Suzuki School is moving from Road Atlanta to
Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama.

Birmingham Mayor Larry Langford
welcoming Kevin to the City of Birmingham, Alabama
at the announcement press conference at Barber
Motorsports Park on Thursday, 8 January 2009

Since its inception in 2001, the Kevin
Schwantz Suzuki School has been based in the rolling hills
of northeast Georgia at Road Atlanta. This year, the school
with its all-star staff of instructors is moving its
comprehensive, two-day riding program designed for
motorcyclists of all skill levels to the 16-turn, 2.38-mile
Barber facility. In addition, 1993 500cc World Champion
Kevin Schwantz has created a new program, the Kevin Schwantz
Super School, with backing from the Motorcycle Industry
Council, Suzuki and Honda.

“We at Barber Motorsports Park are pleased
to add the Kevin Schwantz Suzuki School and the Super School
program to the park lineup. We now have two world class
schools here in Birmingham” Park representative Jeff Ray
said. “Kevin’s program and the Porsche Sport Driving School
make for first class factory supported two and four wheel
operator education programs making Barber their home.

“Barber is recognized as the motorcycling
Mecca of the United States,” Schwantz said. “It’s more than
a racetrack; it’s a destination. The museum has the largest
collection of motorcycles anywhere in the world and the
largest motorcycle library. Students will not only become
better motorcycle riders, they will learn more about the
sport, as well.

“Barber has a lot of different types of
corners with decreasing radii and blind approaches,” he
added. “Top speed is lower than on the back straightaway at
Road Atlanta, and I think that’s going to make Barber an
even better learning environment.”

“I want to thank Road Atlanta and its entire
staff for eight great years,” Schwantz said. “It’s been an
awesome place to conduct schools, and I have many friends
there. My thanks go out to all who have been involved and
supported us.”

Curriculum for both schools will be
identical. Schwantz feels that the program currently in
place benefits everyone from beginning riders to aspiring
racers. Suzuki will supply motorcycles for both schools;
Honda will support the Super School. Other brands may be
involved in the future.

“Because of the current economy, some brands
don’t have the ability to be involved in our program,”
Schwantz explained. “But I would like to think that in the
future we might have six, possibly eight, manufacturers
involved and holding 10, 15 or maybe even 20 schools per
year. We need to continue to push education and safety, and
during times when budgets are tight, it makes sense for all
of us to work together.”